Definition of Human Rights

The notion of Human Rights is one of the most important and characteristic notions of the current era. They represent the rights that all human beings have equally and that must be mutually respected regardless of their creed, race, origin or sex. Human rights are the most evolved way that man knows to make clear the equality and brotherhood between all individuals.

Universality

These general principles are intended to guarantee and protect the dignity of the people of the entire planet, that is, a universal scope being addressed to all humanity, without exceptions of any kind, race, culture, religion, membership politics, social, among others.

Proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The so-called “Human Rights” (in English, Human Rights) are nothing less than the fundamental rights of Man, recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed at the annual Assembly of the United Nations, in the year 1948. Due to its universal nature, it is understood then that the name "Man" includes "every person", regardless of gender. female or male, of any of the races in the world, and of any age: adolescent, boy or girl, adult, old man.

Background

The most accurate antecedents of current Human Rights take place in the events known as the French Revolution (late 18th century). From it, several declarations began to establish the most basic and inalienable rights of all human beings, among which we find the right to life, to equal conditions, to nationality, to property and to respect for the values ​​of each culture. However, it would not be until the mid-20th century with the end of World War II that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would take place.

From 1948 onwards, progressively, the different UN Member countries have begun to plan and execute State policies related to Human Rights (or Human Rights, its equivalent in initials)

However, the dictatorships in Latin America and various wars that occurred in different parts of the planet, failed to fully incorporate the vision and approach proposed by the United Nations in making this proclamation. A striking example is the persecution and torture of specific social groups that the de facto (or military) governments considered "opponents" of the system they proposed. The full freedom of expression / opinion recognized in the Declaration has nothing to do with this panorama. But let's see then what are some of the most important Rights recognized in this United Nations document.

The human rights established in such work assume the equality of all individuals who make up the world community of human beings. This means that the subsequent rights will belong to each and every one of its members. The freedoms and faculties that characterize the human being from that moment are, among others, that of possessing a nationality, a family, suitable living conditions, right to choose religion or cultural traits, freedom of expression and political thought, the right to a job, education, decent housing and health system, etc.

Right to life, liberty, work and to choose the way of life, among others

All these rights are universal, since they apply to all human beings, indivisible, because all must be guaranteed in a way joint, inalienable, because they cannot be separated from the individual, and indissoluble, because they cannot be annulled in any way or in any way. situation.

First of all, the right to life, and that it be lived with dignity, which includes being free. This concept puts an end (at least in the document) to slavery: no one can be the servant or slave of another, which is why the “trafficking” or trade in people is also absolutely illegal. Abuse, torture, degrading treatment, and in extreme cases genocide, are also among the attitudes that the Declaration abhors.

In addition, we all have the right to be protected by the Law, and it is recognized that, before this we are all equal. It does not matter the color of skin, race, or what religious belief we preach. Any human, by his very condition of being, has the full right to express his opinions freely. These opinions can be expressed by any means of communication, and it does not foresee limitation of borders, so if I am in a country, which is not mine, but I want to express an opinion, I can do it freely.

Regarding the country, we also all have the right to possess a nationality

And we are also free to do so, let's think, for example, of the descendants of Spanish or Italian immigrants who have the possibility of possessing “citizenships” of these countries, which is commonly known as “dual-nationality” (Italian-Argentine, for example).

Regarding borders, the Declaration ensures that we have the full right to leave and return to our respective country, being able to freely mobilize for others to whom we wish to migrate. In this case, it is important to note that, beyond this freedom, the entry and exit from one country to another, in general, involves a series of procedures and presentation of documents (passports, visas, or other requirements) that are far from violating these rights, but rather have been implemented by reasons for safety international (avoiding, for example, drug trafficking, human trafficking or mafia networks).

Outside the lines of the Declaration is also the old marriage by "contract" or convenience

It was common in former times for a man and a woman to marry out of obligation, in marital unions arranged by their parents in order to inherit money or property, or maintain an economic-social position determined. Since 1948, legitimate marriage is one that is consented to by both persons who wish to marry, and form a family, that is, there are no more family impositions that force someone to marry for the above.

In relation to work, the free choice of what tasks or work area to be carried out is ensured. For example, I am free to practice a certain profession, and what tasks I want to perform. If someone forced me to work performing certain tasks or in a certain place, without my consent, it would be a case of slavery, and as we have already seen, being a slave is not allowed by the declaration.

Human rights have expanded and advanced greatly in the current century: equal marriage, gender identity

Finally, we all have the right to choose a certain life or cultural form within the society of which we are part. Consider as an example those who identify themselves as members of "urban tribes" or those who wish to continue with religious activities and customs of Aboriginal ancestors, or those who decide to opt for a sexual inclination different from that commonly accepted by society and religion, which is the union Heterosexual.

It is precisely in this last aspect of freedom of sexual choice that there have been tremendous advances in the world

Although there could always be more and we cannot speak of a total acceptance throughout the world and in all cultures, in most modern societies today is fully accepted and legitimized the homosexuality.

Even in many countries the rights that have been granted to this sexual minority equate to those that have always been Heterosexual couples, such is the case of marrying and having children, either natural or adopting them through a process legal.

In Argentina, for example, Congress passed the equal marriage law a few years ago, which allows women to homosexual couples marry, go through the civil registry to legally endorse their union as any couple does hetero. Since July 2010, Argentina has allowed same-sex marriage and at that time became the only country in Latin America that allows it.

But the fantastic amount of rights that states have decided to extend to relegated minorities in matters of sexual and gender choice does not end here. And continuing in Argentina, another great right that has been granted to those people who express the conviction of feeling part of a gender even though they were born under the sign of another, formally called trans, is the possibility of registering before the law with the name and sex of their choice, they are even given the right to receive medical treatments that adapt this decision, which are included in the so-called Compulsory Medical Program that must be provided by both the public and private sectors of Health.

This regulation was enacted in 2012 and once again Argentina became a pioneer in the matter since it is the only one in the world.

Human Rights Issues